Why take this course?

This Unit allows you to develop a basic understanding of the early education and childcare sector and to explain ways in which the sector meets the care, learning and development needs of children aged 0–12. You will consider career options within the sector and the skills, qualities, attitudes and qualifications required to fulfil these roles. You will reflect on your own skills, qualities, attitudes and achievements in relation to these.

There is no requirement for candidates to have a placement within an early education and childcare setting but the candidate will carry out an investigation of the sector. This may require the candidate to visit early education and childcare settings. This Unit is a mandatory Unit in the National 4 course Early Education and Childcare and has been designed to be taken as part of this course.

What you will experience

The Unit is suitable for candidates who may be considering employment in the early education and childcare sector and who wish to progress to further levels of study in early education and childcare. The Outcomes covered within this unit are:

1. Contribute to a group investigation into provision in the early education and childcare sector;
2. Evaluate the skills, qualities and attitudes required to work in the early education and childcare sector;
3. Investigate and plan career options in the early education and childcare sector.